TheCable

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says if Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, it can feed a significant part of sub-Saharan Africa.

Tinubu spoke on Monday when he met the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Maize Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Keutal Hore, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria, in Minna, the Niger capital.

The former governor of Lagos said agriculture played a crucial role in the economy of the country before crude oil was discovered.

“Northern Nigeria has great agricultural potential due to its abundant arable land,” his campaign office quoted him as saying.

“It must continue to march at the forefront if the sector is to significantly advance at all. Every state and the FCT have some degree of competitive advantage in agriculture, whether horticulture or crop production, fisheries, poultry or animal husbandry.

“Properly developed, these assets will not only satisfy our domestic needs but make Nigeria a global force within a short time.

“If Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, our exports will rise to the level such that we shall feed much of sub-Saharan Africa, allowing us to better balance our economy while fostering social tranquility, stronger consumer bases, and political goodwill between us and other nations in the region and on the continent.”

On his part, Abdullahi Adamu, chairman of the APC, said Tinubu would treat farmers well because he understands their plight.